CROSS COUNTRY

Charlotte Ave., Main Dunstable win 2nd PAL prelim

Charlotte Avenue School and Main Dunstable topped the team scoring in the season’s second Nashua Police Athletic League (PAL) elementary school cross country preliminary meet. Held at North High School, the 3K and 2K races comprised the second of two preliminary “practice” meets leading up to the Alec’s Shoe/Nashua PAL City Elementary School Cross Country Championships at North High on October 15.

Charlotte Ave placed first among the boys teams, while Main Dunstable topped the girls field. 535 youth runners from 11 of the city’s 14 larger public, parochial and private elementary schools participated. The top three individual finishers in each race (not including 6th graders), were:

Boys 3K (5th Grade and under): Brendan Frost, 5th grade, Bicentennial (12:26); Ryan Santoro, 4th grade, Main Dunstable; Nick Kelly, 5th grade, Charlotte Ave.

Girls 3K (5th Grade and under): Caroline Fischer, 4th grade, Infant Jesus (12:11); Cameryn Nichols, Infant Jesus; Kendall Bush, 5th grade, Bicentennial.

Boys 2K (3rd Grade and under): Nicholas Dahl, 2nd grade, St. Christopher (8:10); Christopher Keefe, 3rd grade, Main Dunstable, Jack Ayer, 3rd grade, Bicentennial.

Girls 2K (3rd Grade and under): Grace Jones, 3rd grade, Birch Hill (9;24); Lindsey Hult, 3rd grade, Main Dunstable, Grace O’Malley, 2nd grade, Infant Jesus.

FOOTBALL

Nashua Elks Crusaders

5th Grade: Nashua Crusaders 41, Windham 6

Nashua defeated Windham for its second consecutive win of the season, and improved to 2-2 on the year. The game was close early, but Nashua took control in the second quarter and never looked back. Jake Robbins scored Nashua’s first touchdown. The Elks also received touchdowns from Jaylan Pacheco, Jeffrey Reza, Gabe Perrault, and Andrew Penkala. The Nashua offense received tremendous blocking from Braden McDonnell, Alex Fortier, Max Sheperd, and Brandon Martin. Defensively, the Elks played aggressive all game and had big games from Brendon Frost, Tanner Plourde, Cole Desmond, Jason Messier, Tige McNulty, Nathanial Tejeda, and Allan Godfrey.

5th Grade: Nashua Crusaders 48, Hollis.Brookline 0

Nashua defeated Hollis/Brookline for its first win of the season. The Crusaders jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The Nashua offense was active all afternoon and received big games from Jake Robbins (4 touchdowns) and Jaylan Pacheco (2 touchdowns and 2 extra points). Also contributing points were Jeffrey Reza (extra point), Brendon Frost (touchdown), Gabe Perrault (extra point), Braden McDonnell (extra point), and Tanner Plourde (extra point). The Crusader offensive line was led by Max Sheperd and Brandon Martin. The Nashua defense also played tough all game and received big efforts from Andrew Penkala, Cole Desmond,and Jason Messier. Also playing well for Nashua were Alex Fortier, Tige McNulty, and Nathanial Tejeda.

Nashua PAL Force

Flag: NPF Red 28, NPF White 21

NPF Red notched their second win of the season beating NPF White 28 – 21 behind the scoring of QB Ariyan Cora, RB Jack Hamblett and RB David Simpson. White played strong defensive behind the tackling of Austin Spooner and Trent Jackson. White RB Bailey Landsteiner punched it in on their first drive behind the bruising line play of Ben Mullett, Zach Proulx, Severen Johnson and Jayden Allen. Red’s swarming D picked up the slack with Jayce Cora, John Barry, Luke Smiley and Reid Lavoie slowing down White. White struck back behind the blocking of Zaeden Crocker and tough running of RB Cody Goode and Derek Finlay each scoring a TD. Red capped the winning day behind the blocking of Jake O’Connor and running of RB Jack Hamblett’s long TD run to take the lead and keep it for the day.

Flag: NPF Blue 28, NPF Green 14

NPF Blue came up strong in their contest vs. Green winning 28 to 14. On the opening play QB Charlie Bellavance ran the length of the field behind the smash mouth blocking of Ryan Forcier, Lorenzo Abreu and Michael Gigliotti. The games second play had CB Thomas Laurendi picking off Green and running it back for a TD. Green fired back behind a TD run by QB Nick Digesse and the blocking of the Peters brothers, Luke and Jack. Blue QB Patrick Costa dove across the end zone keeping Blue ahead while QB Nick Digesse scored again for Green. Green’s defense led by CB Cody Morton, DT Toby Brown, NG Tyler Girouard and LB Drew Sheehan slowed Blue but QB Patrick Keegan worked his way up the field and muscled in for the last Blue TD. CB Peter Wilson led the Blue D on the day with 4 tackles.

Flag: NPF Yellow 28, Concord Capitols 35

NPF Yellow lost a nail biter to Concord 28-35. Yellow got on the board early with QB Xavier Francis and RB Chis Prangley each scoring a TD behind the strong blocking of Cam Prangley. Defensively the DT combo of Jeremiah Levesque and Charley Mewkill kept the Capitols on edge all game. In the second half QB Xavier Francis hit pay dirt once again while the slashing running of RB Maurice L’Heureux led to the final TD for Yellow.

3rd Grade: NPF ties Windham

NPF tied the Windham Wolverines in a tight knit ball game at Stellos Stadium. Robby Long raced for two long TD runs. Max Ackerman, Chris Acevedo and Neo Halin exhibited excellent blocking skills to help set up the TDs.

Logan Mathewson logged a number of hard nosed carries aided by the pure hustle of Christian Ayala, Edwin Gonzalez and Shaun Marion. Alex Forbes had a number of fine blocks from the offensive side of the ball.

5th Grade: Salem Rams 28, NPF 0

NPF travelled to Grant Field in Salem, NH where they were defeated 28 to 0.

Dom Gentry, John Jigarjian and Matthew Hallahan showed excellent quickness and agility on the offense all day. Tyler Desrochers and Michael Gillespie played hard in the face of a tough score. Dusting themselves off and never quitting on defense were Donovan Labate, Austin Ouelette, Issac Colon, Harley Ciardi and Hunter Chenard, who all came off the field with their heads held high.

6th Grade: Salem Rams 13, NPF 7

NPF tipped by Salem 13-7 at Grant Field. QB Johnny Michelin let loose a 50 yard touchdown bomb to Schyler Boykin that brought the NPF faithful to their feet. Bobby Brown, Eric Poublon and Seyvon Sanchez anchored a well played offensive effort with swift running and blocking. Keeping the ball game close with an outstanding defensive effort were Paul Smith, Ellias Martin and Nate Post. Checking Salem’s offense with drive stopping tackles were Aaron Brown and team mate, CJ Grondin anchoring the NPF’s defensive line.

NPF Middle School JV: NPF 22, Nashua Elks Crusaders 6

NPF pulled off an impressive 22-6 victory over the Nashua Elks Crusaders. Enrique Alvarez had a great day scoring two touchdowns and two-point conversions. QB Jared Levesque ran in a touchdown and intercepted two passes while playing defense. AJ Vitali and Felix Ortiz both had picks of their own. The offensive line was anchored by Mason Dane, Jose Melendez, and Enaceo LeClaire. Gerardo Sanchez and Joe Allen were disruptive on the defensive line while Max Fay was in the backfield all afternoon making it difficult for the Crusaders’ quarterbacks

NPF Middle School Varsity: NPF 20, Nashua Elks Crusaders 7

NPF earns a 20-7 comeback win at Stellos Stadium against the Nashua Elks Crusaders. Showing poise and grit against a tough Elks Crusaders squad, Dylan Salazar scored a key touchdown and carved out 40 yards carrying the football. Greg Stanton inspired his NPF team mates with a gutty touchdown, 30 yards rushing and an extra point. Troy Lustic came through with a clutch TD backed by 30 yards rushing. QB Zach Janoff’s quick feet and nose for the first down marker kept several offensive drives alive. Offensive linemen Austin Rancourt and Trevor Lessard powered the comeback with outstanding blocking in the fourth quarter. NPF defense ensured the comeback with John Sweeney and Indiana Messier making critical 4th quarter tackles. Interceptions by David Muite and Noah Collins aided by Josh Pena’s fumble recovery, disrupted a determined Elks Crusader offense in the second half.

Merrimack Cardinals

Tiny Mite: Red plays tough against Seabrook

The Merrimack Cardinals Tiny Mite Red Team survived a tough outing at home against the Seabrook Rams on Sunday, Oct. 2. The Cardinals’ defense never backed down from the hard hitting Seabrook Rams. Key tackles were made by Kyle Crampton, Chaz Peters, Kevin Sheridan, Alex Tobin, Jake Trahan, Ryan Turley and Connor Williams.

On offense, the Cardinals’ line opened holes allowing Kyle Crampton to rush for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. Connor Williams also scored for the Cardinals, while Cohen Leighton and Jake Trahan gained additional yardage for Merrimack.

Jr. PeeWee: Cardinals 19, Seabrook 0

The Merrimack Cardinals Junior Pee Wee team improved to 3-2 on the season with a 19-0 win over the visiting Seabrook Rams (0-5). Multiple players kept the chains moving on offense while the defense pushed Seabrook backwards all afternoon long for an impressive team victory.

Jacob Myers got things rolling with a 35-yard rushing touchdown on the game’s opening possession. Jay Lanigan added a 14-yard run of his own (with a conversion by Patrick Yudkin) to make it 13-0. Yudkin closed out the scoring with a 41-yard dash down the right sideline. The offensive line consistently opened up holes that led to numerous first downs.

Lanigan chipped in on defense with an interception, as did Brandon Myers. In the spirit of giving and good sportsmanship, Merrimack accepted a penalty on Seabrook that took points off the board following an inception return for a touchdown by Bobby Bunis.

Offensively, Ben Eichman churned out a handful of runs of 10+ yards. Ryan Devanna served as a triple threat passing, running, and receiving the ball. Adam Thornton, Caden Shvanda, and Brian Genet all hauled in receptions. Terrell Hicks added a 30-yard kickoff return.

Jared Dyer, Colton Lelievre, Brendan Parr, Justin Tevepaugh, Devon Wood, Anthony Shepard, Hunter Mack, Ryan Ivester, Robert Defilice, and Tristan Wood all played well for the Cardinals.

Jr. High School JV: Manchester 18, Cardinals 6

The Merrimack Cardinals Junior High Varsity team fell to 3-1 on the season by a count of 18-6 in a battle against the unbeaten Manchester Bears (4-0). The teams traded blows like a heavyweight fight throughout in a hotly contested game that was much closer than the final score indicated. The Cardinals had a chance to win it in the final minutes but came up short.

Down 6-0 in the first quarter, quarterback Mitchell McMahon led the Cardinals into the Manchester red zone, only to absorb a crushing hit that resulted in a strip sack that gave the ball to Manchester. The defense was up to the task and got the ball back on downs. TJ Hart and Ian Roberts took turns carving up the Bears defensive line for multiple first down runs and big gainers. A heads up fumble recovery and run for a first down by McMahon on a third-and-3 set up Roberts for a twisting, squirming 7-yard TD run that knotted the game at 6-6.

Trailing 12-6, the Cardinals hopes rested on a drive that started at their own 27 yard line. Hart and Roberts methodically marched Merrimack up the field that chewed up most of the fourth quarter. Facing a 4th and 1 at the Manchester 14 yard line, McMahon drew the Bears offside utilizing a staggered snap count that gave the Cardinals a 1st and goal at the 9 yard line with less than two minutes to go.

Well situated to tie or win the game, disaster struck on a botched snap that gave the ball back to the Bears deep in their own territory. Three running plays and three Merrimack time outs left the game hinging on a crucial 4th and 2 from the 19-yard line with under a minute to play.

The Merrimack defense crashed into the backfield to prevent a game ending first down, but a Manchester ball carrier escaped the pressure and managed to go the distance for a long, late touchdown to seal Merrimack’s fate.

Danny Vanecheck contributed multiple tackles. Tyler Deneill, Alex Ackerman, Adam Black, Morgan Summers, and Joe DeGregorio all played well defensively.

HOCKEY

Mite: Nashua I still undefeated

The Nashua Panthers I stayed undefeated by winning their last two games and moved to 5-0 in the Valley Hockey League. The Panthers scoring touch continued when they defeated Lexington/Bedford 10-0 and Tewksbury 13-0.

In the first game, Cory Girouard and Sean Morrissey lead the Panthers with their first 3 goal games. Brian Chisholm added 2 goals and 2 assists, Brooke Yabroudy chipped in with a goal and 3 assists, and Sam Clauson had a goal and an assist. Daniel Woodford was strong in the pipes getting his first shutout of the year.

In the second game, the scoring continued with Dylan Troiano and Girouard leading the way with 4 goals each in the 13-0 victory over the Redmens from Tewksbury. Woodford, Pillsbury, Morrissey, and Chisholm all added goals for the Panthers. Dominic Carozza and Pillsbury were key on defense by controlling the defensive zone and powering the breakouts in both games. Clauson earned the shutout while in goal and turned away all of Tewksbury’s scoring chances.

Squirt: Cavaliers I wins a pair

In Valley League action the Cavaliers I put two more in the win column. In their first game the CAVs defeated the Lowell Hawks Squirt Team by the score of 6-4. The coaching move to place Chris Sullivan and Anil Rao up as wingers was met with immediate success as both notched their first goals of the season for the CAVs. Max Sears record a hat-trick for the CAVs and Isaac Rogers added a goal and an assist. TJ Vitullo played a strong game at center in both the offensive and defensive zones. Sean Kelly anchored the CAVs defensive with new defensive line mates Brandon Hugh and Austin Ciszek.

In the second match-up of the weekend the CAVs faced a tough Woburn Squirt team, but came up with a big 8-2 win. Isaac Rogers put on a beautiful display of passing, feeding line mate Parker Mabbett twice. Parker Mabbett recorded a game high 4 goals, with the other Cavs tallies recorded by Jared DeBrain, Brandon Hugh, TJ Vitullo and Isaac Rogers. CAVs goalie Chris Sullivan along with defensemen Anil Rao, Sean Kelly and Austin Ciszek played exceptionally well, preventing the Woburn team from generating any offense.

WRESTLING

BGCGN youth clinics

The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua (BGCGN) will kick off the youth wrestling season by holding two Saturday morning wrestling clinics on Nov. 5 and 12, 9-11:30 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club on 47 Grand Ave. Boys and girls in kindergarten-eighth grade are invited. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Open to non-members of the Boys and Girls Club and residents of surrounding towns. $10 fee covers both clinics. T-shirt provided to each participant. Those who wish to continue after the clinics may participate on BGCGN’s youth wrestling teams during its winter season. Joining the coaching staff this season are former high school coach (Nashua, Trinity, BG) Kurt Rowlette and current Nashua North coach Jeff Arbogast. Questions: e-mail bgcnteammom@hotmail.com or call BGCGN Wrestling Coordinator Joe Laplante (545-7969).

Middle school sign-ups

Wrestling teams operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua at Nashua’s three public middle schools and Hudson Memorial Mifddle School are signing up students now for a November start. Practices are held at school, after school, and teams compete in the interschlastic Tri-County Middle School Athletic League.

Open to boys and girls in grades 6-8. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Fairgrounds students should see Mr. Lauria or Mr. Pinault. Elm St. students should see Principal Mike Fredericksen. Pennichuck Students should see Mr. Arbogast. Hudson Memorial students should sign up in the main office. Questions: e-mail coachnh1976@aol.com or Coach Herb Bennett at 617-413-1839.

MEETINGS

MYA soccer elections approaching

The annual elections will be held Monday November 14th at 7:30pm at the MYA building in Merrimack. For more information visit www.myasoccer.org or email secretary@myasoccer.org.